198 CLASS AVES. * 



crests and feet by the frost ; in spring they walked upon their 

 knees, and laid eggs just as usual. 



Eggs are produced by the hen without the intervention of 

 the cock. They are then termed clear eggs, and are said, 

 though without much apparent foundation, to be less whole- 

 some than the others. They have, however, this great advan« 

 tage, that they can be better preserved, and are fitter for 

 exportation. 



A hen has been confined in a cage or coop, and laid regu- 

 larly every other day, from the month of March to that 

 of October, without ever manifesting the least desire of 

 sitting. 



There is one remark worthy of being made here. In all 

 this order of gallinae the young birds can eat alone as soon 

 as they leave the shell ; consequently, the number of eggs is 

 precisely that which each mother can conveniently cover, and 

 keep warm with her body and wings. With most other 

 birds the number of eggs does not often exceed four or 

 five, not because the females of those birds could not cover a 

 greater quantity, but because, being obliged to provide for 

 the nourishment of the young for some time after their birth, 

 they could not suffice for this purpose if the off'spring was 

 too numerous. 



Formerly the pointed eggs were supposed to contain the male 

 germ, and the round ones the female; but this, it is said, has 

 been since ascertained by more unequivocal symptoms. If on 

 examining an egg by candle-light a small vacancy is seen 

 underneath the shell at one end, and if this vacancy is pre- 

 cisely at the end, it contains the germ of the male. If a little 

 on one side, it is that of the female. 



The love of liberty, the desire of withdrawing their eggs 

 and young ones from the search of their enemies, and that 

 instinct which brings back hens to their primitive state when 

 they are disposed to fulfil those important functions which 



